Another reason I know I have the best wife. She's not a fan of Jeeps. In fact, she loves her Toyotas. But she talked me into finally getting my JT despite my planning to wait until more used JTs were available. The dealer bent over backwards. The only thing I didn't get that I would have liked but have to accept some sacrifices when getting used is diesel. I wanted a diesel but no used diesels were coming in.
I really struggled with this same decision. I have never owned either Jeep or Toyota so the research was on! After 3 months I bought a Jeep Rubicon in the Snazzberry color. I’m completely smitten with it more and more every day! Absolutely NO regrets!
Same here, only a decade after getting my JKU. It was this fact that made getting the JT super easy. They handle almost identically but having large dogs (rhodesian ridgebacks) I needed larger cargo area for them and the JT with a Smartcap shell is the answer. Now if I can just get the rhodesians to get into the bed of the truck...my male loves riding shotgun and my female owns the backseat.
The Gladiator isn't for everyone that's for sure. I've always loved my Wranglers. But having a truck bed, even though it's small, is just a game changer for a Jeep. Plus the tailgate. That's the best part!
I have watched almost all of your videos. Very good and informative. Now I have the gladiator but I understand why people say “Just Empty Every Pocket.” So true
As a person who went from owning a 2019 TRD Off-Road Tacoma to a Gladiator, I think you nailed it. A few things I would add to your review from the perspective of having the Gladiator now: Pros: Coil Spring Rear End and Stiffer Chassis. I think the gladiator is far less Jittery than the Tacoma. Additional payload of max tow is nice too. Cons: Tacoma’s overall build quality is better. Wind noise, I’m used to it but it would be nice to be a little quieter. But having the removable top is the price you pay. Nice review! Both great trucks tbh.
I had a JKUR before my Tacoma Off Road. No complaints on the Jeep. There is nothing like wheeling with a solid axle. Got a Tacoma for the reliability and capability. I don’t go off road as often as I drive on the highway, so the IFS is nice, but that is not the main reason I got a Tacoma. I got a substantial discount on a TOYOTA because I am friends with the GM at a local dealer, and secondly, I have never had a TOYOTA 4x4. I have been going off roading for 30 years. I have had Jeeps, a D90, a Nissan Hardbody, and a modded Tahoe. I like to try different things, and no truck I have ever owned made me want to not ever try something else. Since I will be retiring soon, this Taco May be my last new 4x4. Or not🤷♂️. Enjoy what you have!
I decided to downsize from my full sized Tundra and looked at both of these too. I came to the same decisions of either of these two. I am very happy with my Gladiator
Big Rock Media, you're right. One thing I didn't like when test driving the Tacoma was how low the seat was. It felt like I was sitting on the floor. Exterior design looks great. But it's not designed for my tall frame. Great video and enjoy your new truck!
Same here, i was looking at the Tacoma, hated the interior, seat was low, i couldn't see over the big bulky dash. As a smaller framed person, i felt the Gladiator's interior fit me like a glove! That's what swayed me the most.
I have the Tacoma TRD Offroad. I do have some brand loyalty. But appreciated your rationales. I am not into intense off-roading, but enjoy trail running and occasional "difficult" trails. Your Jeep is really great looking, though. Enjoy
Reliability, Big Rock Media, is something you won't notice unless you keep the product for 4 or 5 years. You probability will have moved onto another vehicle long before that many years.
Also was deciding between a gladiator and the Tacoma. Went with the gladiator Mojave as most of what we have here are sand dunes. Easily fit some 35s with no lift needed. Best freaking thing ever!
For such a capable truck, the JT R is comfortable on road...I was really surprised by this when I bought mine. I'm reluctant to do a lift now after driving it stock on 33's., I will probable just do 35's and keep it as a do everything truck.
I love my 2009 JKU and it is a stock Sahara. Only thing changed was a ARB rear bumper after getting rear ended and a snorkel after moving to Houston (before Harvey). I mention that because despite being from Utah and driving Moab regularly stock Jeeps (not the sport versions, anything with real tires on it and 4 wheel drive) are more than enough. Mine has served me for deer hunting and beach trips and it was only the addition of two very large dogs that made me add a JT to the family. It handles almost identically to the JKU which was another reason I liked it. I have had the Jeep bug for quite sometime. It's truly enjoyable!
Very well lined up. I've owned Jeeps for almost 30 years but also Toyotas. I currently have a 2016 Jeep Wrangler JKU Rubicon Hard Rock and a 2021 Tacoma TRD Off Road Premium. I love both vehicles and I got to admit that Jeep offers REAL Off-Road capabilities just like you said from the factory and not just nice decals or emblems, a fake hood scope, cool shocks and suspension to call it TRP Pro and sell it with street tires. LOL. Now I'm seriously thinking in trading my JKU for a Gladiator (I'm not selling my Tacoma). I had a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel and loved it. It might be the next engine in my Gladiator Rubicon I hope soon.
I completely agree with the seating position in the Tacoma--I thought it might just be me since I see them all over out here in Arizona, but like you, I found the seating position to be an immediate deal breaker--the overall cabin felt cramped. FYI, not a Toyota hater, either, as I have had 8 of them and currently have an 06 Sequoia. I've never owned a Jeep or sat in one recently, but one thing for sure is they knocked it out of the park with the exterior styling (very much like Ford has with the new Bronco and Bronco Sport). Looks fantastic in that blue color, and the mods you have on it look pretty cool. I look forward to more content on your experience with it in the months to come.
Nice choice the gladiator is the best looking out of the midsize trucks the tacoma is ok but I'd go for the ranger as a second choice because of the performance the acceleration it's got the ecoboost mustang engine in it and with a tune I heard it's pushing out some serious power but I guess if you're planning on keeping one as a long term vehicle then it sounds like the tacoma is the best option not much excitement with it but the reliability is there but me personally I don't keep a vehicle without a warranty anyways
Ranger has issues, so does 2015 and later Tacoma. Jeep 3.6 is reliable, zf 8 speed is great. Chevy Colorado also , I would buy it over the Ford or toyota.
I hit a deer with my taco off road going 55mph. All the airbags deployed, and although there wasn't too much damage my insurance company totalled it. I searched for top mid-sized trucks, and the Jeep Willys topped Car & Driver's list for off road vehicles (actually a sissy Honda mid was #1 due to its amenities, but it wasn't an off road vehicle). My Taco off road came in at a paltry #6. I still test drove a 2021 taco. It's a solid,, reliable every day truck that I'd felt comfortable driving. During the test drive I felt the shift gears when I pulled out into an intersection after coming to a full stop. The shifting killed momentum. I realized I'd gotten used to this. A few hours later I drove a Willys. The difference was night and day. The gear shift was smooth with plentiful power. Sure, it was $7k more, but I have to drive it. The tacos bottom out when driving off curbs, and into ruts. I learned the only way around the curb required me to back the off the curb letting the rear tires drop first. That was the only way that worked. I purposely drove the Willys off a curb during my test drive (shhh don't tell the dealer)... it didn't flinch, and never came close to bottoming out. That sold me. We still own three other Toyotas: Prius, Rav4, and a Tacoma SR5. In fact I went car shopping driving the Prius.
Came across your video and I agree 100% I currently own a Tacoma but have been looking at the gladiator for some time now for the same reasons you mentioned. Just a matter of time before I trade the Tacoma in lol
Congrats Tim on new Glad. I had a 2016 Tacoma TRD Off-Road (had an FJ prior to the Tacoma and it was great) drove the Tacoma till this year and hated the engine. The 3.5 has no low end torque, yes it got better gas mileage than the FJ 4.0l but Toyota's 4.0 was a WAY Better engine. I bought a 2021 Gladiator Rubicon LOVE IT. Way more comfortable much better power delivery. The 8 speed shifts much better than the 6 speed Tacoma, Tacoma is always searching for a gear. Top stereo Toyota JBL to Jeep Alpine = no comparison. Yes, Tacoma got better gas mileage than the Gladiator as well but that is pretty much the only advantage Toyota has.
@@kidamere2408 Well that we shall see. I had a wrangler back in day (although that was the 4.0L in line six uncomplicated tractor motor) that was 16 years old when I got rid of it and it had 295K on it. With only front wheel bearings replaced.
I think you made a good decision, the gladiator is much more responsive and has better off road capability than the new Tacoma. If you want a Tacoma get an older one with a 4.0L V6, the new 3.5L is a lazy engine with some weird gremlins in it and the transmission is pretty lethargic. The gladiator has a reliable pentastar with that good ZF850 transmission and comes standard with 4wd, the Tacoma you have to spend extra for that. I am actually a technician for Toyota but I own and drive a 2021 Jeep Gladiator.
@@BigRockMoto Definitely the 4.0 was a WAY better engine than the 3.5. I didn't have the 4.0 In a Tacoma but I had in an FJ and it was a great engine. The newer 3.5 lack low end torque, granted after it gets up to about 45 -50 miles an hour it gets moving but wrong torque curve for a truck.
True life story here, hopefully for the best! Only time will tell. 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro 6 speed manual. Had it for 6 months and 7500k. Cool looking truck and drove great, pretty smooth and quiet. It pretty much ends there. Got rid of it. 2020 Gladiator 3.6 gas. Bought this to replace the Tacoma. Better powertrain, better interior, better rear legroom for my kids and better mpg (about 2mpg). Solid axle is not as nice to drive and yes mire wind noise. BUT easy $200 spacer lift 2” front and .75” rear and 35” tires no problem. 2021 Gladiator 3.0 diesel. Everything I loved about my gas Gladiator but with incredible power and 3-4mpg better overall. Added a 1.5” up front with my same winch and steel bumper. Fox shocks and tada shes rides very well. I cant say enough about the Gladiator, I love it and hopefully stays around fir a bit. If not, it will be worth $$$$$ if they drop the diesel. Another side not, both trucks do incredibly well when its comes to resale. Im the perfect example, i actually made money on my last trade in.
@@1989inception ya still probably going to go with the Tacoma. Even getting the fully loaded TRD will only be around $45k vs the fully loaded gladiator will be $60k plus.
@@bbyeahwhatever Fully loaded Tacomas exceed $50k. Especially now. A TRD OR with leather seats is like $45k. I got my JT Rubicon with leather seats for $48k. With Jeep, you can easily get them under invoice. Just go onto the forum and DM one of the participating dealers and they'll hook you up with a 3-5% bellow invoice price. I bought mine during a Jeep incentive, so I got mine for 10.6% under invoice. Also get an extra 1% off with a tread lightly membership iirc. Not saying the Tacoma isn't great, just that the real world pricing is much closer than expected. I found no upgrade Rubicon's for $36k on the East Coast... that's manual trans, soft top, and halogen everything...
well i traded in my 21 taco trd offroad for a 22 gladiator mojave and i couldnt be any happier. the mojave has a much better ride and is way more comfortable, especially in long trips. no regrets al all.
Just bought a new 2023 gladiator Rubicon for cheaper than I could get a pro. It was closer to trd off-road pricing. Gladiators are selling for 20 to 25% off MSRP right now. Bonus I get a front locker and swaybar disconnect and can take doors and top off!
You know what???? I got nothing to argue your right on point, I got a 2022 Tacoma 4WD sport and I can see the differences right off the back! I’m bit more of in city usage 99.9 % of the time but I think I would consider a rubicon instead modifying the Tacoma! Great choice and great review!!
honestly, I think the JK looks better than the JL. Obviously the interior of the JL is on another level, but no one can legitimately state that the JL or Bronco is better off road than a JK. Like you said, the JL JT JK are like 40 and 70 series land cruisers that will always look great.
For sensible, economical people, the Tacoma is the choice. For the rest of us normal people, the Gladiator is the obvious choice. Love my Gladiator thus far.
It's not just about economy, it's also about intelligence, what use is about 35 in the car if it's the same rubbish as a mini cooper that breaks down all the time... spend money foolishly
Great video. Your truck is really cool! I went with Tacoma. I have never had a Jeep or Toyota either. The resell and reputation of a Tacoma was something in my mind when I made the purchase plus I had to ask myself at what level of off road-ability do I really need. If I was a hard core off roader I think Jeep is the choice but refinement, ride comfort etc....edges me towards Tacoma in addition to the price. I also really liked the 6 speed manual in my 2022 TRD OR.
Exact same situation I was in. I needed to tow some which was a big thing, both did what I needed with automatic. I don’t need off road capability either. The max tow package is what sold me on the Jeep considering what you get for cost, and the fact of removable doors and roof. Quality is subjective because I don’t abuse vehicles. Either way both are awesome, I just hate the “you should have bought what I bought!!” arguments. Buy what you like/need. It’s your money!
Truck U just showed the engine oil drain back issue on the Gladiola. After 30 minutes of being shut down all of the engine oil drains back into the crankcase, even the oil filter is bone dry. Please do yourself a favor and purchase the after market kit to prevent this or your engine will always dry start. Also there is a TSB on the manual transmission models. The clutches self destruct when the engine gets hot. The fix is a software update to lower engine power when it gets hot! Jeep, Italian engineering at it's worst.
I spent 6 months going back and forth on it. I have always owned Tacomas, but was torn between the Gladiator in the Rubicon or a TRD Pro Tacoma. I went with the Tacoma because it was signficantly less money. I wasn't sure the shock reservoirs were worth the additional money (I live in North Idaho). The front locking would have been nice though!
My bro had a brand new JL. His JL also knew the dealership more than he does cuz it's always going in for something that it became ridiculous. After 3 FCA products, one of which was also a new 2500 6.4 hemi with a failed transmission (bro dont even tow), he ended up in new 4runner. After his fiasco with FCA products, they're just disposable vehicles.
Strange I had the opposite experience. My JL has been wheeling hard and daily driving for nearly four years no problems. It's slammed down on shocks, scraped across diffy, slammed down on steering shocks, countless cases of hard abuse and I've seen 0 issues. Buddy bought a tacoma in march, boasted every time he saw me that his tacoma would outlast my jeep exponentially. Well he owned it for four months before the transmission melted. Mind you it never towed, it never went over so much as gravel driveways and it broke down on a flat paved road. He doesn't talk about reliability anymore. :)
I've had two jeeps, the first being a 91 YJ and the second a 98TJ and they were both amazing and perfectly reliable but, I will say, I think jeep really messed up with their 3.8 and transmission combo that they went to (many horror stories and they are a pain to work on). Im starting to come around and see that the 3.6 and whatever transmission it has, is pretty good. I bought a tacoma with the bias of reliability but i dont think modern jeep drivetrains are too far behind if at all.
First let me say that I have had both vehicles. First was a 2002 4 door Tacoma(loved the truck but motor was lacking towing at highway speeds and I didn't care for the new styling of the next models), then 2012 2 door Ruby's( 2 of them), and finally the 2021 Gladiator Rubicon. The 2012's were great and turned on a dime, loved the 5 speed transmission but towing a boat was a challenge. Now we get to the 2021 JK Rubicon ...yes I like it the best so far but now the Negatives: 1. Being longer the turning radius is something to get used too compared to the 2 doors. 2. I'm still undecided on the 8 speed transmission compared to the 5 speed of the JK's...Time will tell. 3. I'm not all onboard with the electronics package of the 2021, as I like the JK package better. Give me back control of my vehicle! Tone down what the electronics control example the BS motor stop at red lights needs to have a permanently turn off, transmission lock if door is open... there is a reason why the door is open, and in my own opinion have a tow haul button. These maybe trivia to some but in my conditions vital. Yes I would buy again as i like the overall package.
I own a 2017 sports Tacoma,but when I went vacation I rented a wrangler jeep! That’s when I started 😍 ❤wow! My next car is jeep wrangler or Gladiator.I’m serious this truck is looks very strong and rugged
Excellent video, well narrated! I was not a Jeep fan until the new Jeep JL was introduced to the market in 2018. I now own a 2019 JLUR and absolutely love it! It is one of my favourite vehicles!
@big rock media I might be reading into your post above a little too much here, but it really is more than just "reliable." I have a mid priced Old Man Emu lift and 33s on my 2017 TRD Off Road for less money than a Gladiator Rubicon, and it'll go at least 95% of the places a stock JTR will go. My apologies for sounding all defensive :-) To equalize some of the JT's reported issues, my Tacoma did have some shifting issues that were remedied by an ECU flash and just time spent behind the wheel, I have random plastic pieces (fender well trim) coming loose on a regular basis that need to be fixed with larger washers and factory screws and zip ties in some cases, and my fuel door keeps trying to remove itself from the truck every time I stop for gas, thanks to a poorly designed hinge. Also, my kids sure would like some AC vents in the backseat like your JT has!! Those minor points aside, I think maybe the biggest point you missed (if I may) is the actual purchase price of the Jeeps. AT MOST you'll see $2k off sticker for a Tacoma, but at most Jeep dealerships, you can easily expect $5k off sticker and if I put in a full day making 3 dealerships compete for my business, I am very confident in that $5k being closer to $8-10k off of MSRP. Again, great subject for a video and lots of good info. I'm sure these 2 models are very frequently pitted against each other for a lot of buyers' hard-earned money!
Being a multi gen Tacoma owner - I agree with everything you said. Price might be the deciding factor here for most people. What can people justify spending but also seems more people are able to get loans for less than 40k than jumping to 55k+? Beautiful Jeep you got there!
I used to have a 1977 CJ-7 Golden Eagle 🦅 with a 304cid / Blackjack headers / Thrush turbo sonic mufflers .. sitting on a 3” Trailmaster suspension lift on a set of 33” Super Swampers . It had the optional ‘low range’ transfer case with lockout hubs... dam I miss that thing ! So much fun back in my high school/ post HS days . After seeing these new Gladiators, it just rekindles a spark in me . But I mean dam ! The price is ridiculous on these new vehicles. I’m a poor person lol 😝 I may look at options but I’ve been eyeballing a Tacoma TRD off-road too . The used market is really not an option because they hold their value so well , I’d rather just buy a new one .
Both are great options for sure. My decision would have to come down to style. I’ve learned thorough years of honing my craft while exiling across Europe that style takes a truck from good to INSPIRED. When towing farm animals to use in a production, one might gain insights and inspirations along the way if one rides in style. 😎🙆♂️
@@michaellam2622 Not a bad idea for those in the meat industry. However, I am referring to animals in artistic productions, not chicken nugget productions. 👑🎭🎼
@@BigRockMoto one of my greatest works was set in the city of Szechwan and included a seller of bat soup as a lead character. I was exiling in the US and used a Ford truck to tow a bed full of bats for the premiere. I’m passionate about the intersection of arts and outdoor adventure! 🦇🎭⛺️🛻
Good vid👍 neither -- dont need off an road package I would not use. I love the look of the JT and would love to get one if they offered a lower priced none off road package with max towing. Cheers
well i did buy a gladiator, while the tacoma is cramped, paint like cake icing and can't shift to save it's life, it may not have issues like it's a 7 year old truck... now dealing with my gladiators center two exhaust hanger bushings making a loud scrape sound over bumps. looks like will have to try and grease to fix it. it's less than a year old...thats just one of many issues, wait until your gladiator gets the broken door weld click they will ALL eventually get in all the doors, problem since 2018 JL. thanks FCA, nice parting gift before the French government took over. i mean i do like the mod ability and the head room but i shouldn't have to be fixing things on a 40k dollar truck.
Funny that you mention the door hinges. I have seen paint worn away and rusting metal on the exterior door hinges. I also do not like how the thin sheet metal has many punch out holes below the doors along the sides of the new JL and JTs. I live in MA and those will quickly erode after our salt covered streets during the winters! After test driving the JL, JT and Tacoma at the end of 2019, I chose a 2020 TRD off road Taco. To me it looks the best stock also, but is only a lease up in Nov. 2022. It was also the first year of the Gladiator so did not wanna get a first year model. All this being said I totally agree that the ability to add bigger wheels and tires is a big selling point. 8 speeds to turn larger rubber helps too. The solid front axle vs. IFS also, which is a big draw back for the new Bronco’s most off road enthusiasts would agree!! Also...... grab handles! Tacoma and four runner do not have them on the driver’s side any more if you wanna add a proper lift. A draw back is you can not move your seat very far back with those manual adjustments. Toyota finally added electrical adjustments for the driver and I can really move my seat back up and down quite a bit and tilt on the bottom too. So, as much as I do enjoy my Tacoma your video addresses why I still have an interest for trading it in come 2022. Great 👍 work dude
@Frank Crooker but you will buy from a vehicle maker screwing consumers of millions of dollars! What Toyota did with the world wide recall from their rusty frames, poor design, shitty transmissions and motors! Keep your POS turd.
I would take the Gladiator over the Tacoma, however, I would not trade my 4Runner for a Gladiator. For your usage with the bed rack and RTT over the bed you made the right choice I think.
So I’m a Mopar guy in general. I got my first Toyota ever in my life. It’s a 2021 4Runner TRD Off Road, and with a sissy V6 and a 5 speed transmission. I freaking hate it. I live in Utah, I work out of North Salt Lake and live in Providence, UT so I drive through a canyon of mountains (roughly a 15 mile stretch) and I’m just commuting, my 4Runner drops to 3rd gear, runs at about 4,000rpm’s+ and I run cruise control. My friend owns a 2019 Tacoma, same kind of problem. Yeah Toyotas last damn near forever but a motor and transmission that’s over a decade old and still can’t get the shifting correct, F*** Toyota.
After owning both Toyotas and Nissans I decide to try the Gladiator .... so far it ranks as one of the most capable, comfortable, and so far with zero issues .... one of the most reliable.
Lol I like Toyota trucks, except the only Toyota truck we had was my dad's 1987 Toyota truck he bought new. Didn't have a name...just Toyota truck. Then we traded it for a 2005 Chevy Colorado with the 5 cylinder. It was a nice little offroad worthy truck. Then I bought my first truck, a 2015 Chevy Silverado (just above the Work trim package), and finally my 2020 Gladiator. I love my Gladiator. It's a Sport S with the max towing package. I custom ordered it with everything I wanted, and nothing I didn't. It's got the 8.4 screen, & premium audio. It's considered luxury to me. The transmission is so smooth coming from the clunky GM 6 speed. Also because I'm pretty short, I LOVE that the seat can be raised so I am able to see better. It's very comfortable and cozy for a 5'4 115lb guy.
I've been extremely impressed with my set. Not noisy, good MPG, good ride, good wear, sounds awesome when they understeer, and seem to be excellent off road and in wet conditions.
Brand loyalty mostly comes from the company’s reputation. Yes you can add more bells and whistles every year model but if that company has less desirable reputation, I won’t buy it. I would rather invest in a vehicle with less bells and whistles but is reliable and most cost effective in the long term. But, however you want to spend your money is up to you.
Can you put 35”s on a stock Willys? Same suspension. Also you can’t compare these two. I feel like Toyotas are on every corner. This is a pick up truck as well as a convertible and a kick ass off-road vehicle. Just like Toyota these will have amazing resale just like the Wrangler.
I honestly don’t know why I watch these types of videos. As much as I would like to buy a new truck, I am not anytime soon. They just drive me crazy seeing all the good tech
Great review, thanks! I wrestle daily w/ trading in my 2017 Tacoma TRD Offroad on a Gladiator Rubicon or Mojave. Seems to be enough Jeep negatives to keep me in the Tacoma for the foreseeable future, but if Toyota would offer a retro FJ pickup, then it's game over for the Tacoma! Hey, a guy can dream, right??
I traded in my 16 Tacoma Trd Offroad in for a Gladiator now its only got 1,600 miles on it but so far LOVE the Gladiator. Comparing loaded to loaded models the Gladiator is much nicer although considerable more money so it makes sense. The other thing is its much more comfortable, the Tacoma I was sitting on the floor, the Jeep has better seats and seating position. I had the JBL in Tacoma the Alpine system in Gladiator is better. I had a sun roof in the Tacoma but a removable modular top is more fun. Now I will totally agree with ya on the FJ truck. I had an 08 Fj and it was GREAT. Loved it, it was definitely wider than the Tacoma or the Gladiator, I loved the interior room (blind spots and all :) The Gladiator does feel roomer than the Tacoma especially in the back seat. My 16 Tacoma had a leveling kit with a one size bigger tire, not a big lift but you could definitely see the difference from stock height. However, that also made a big "blind spot" looking over hood. So far the Jeep forward visibility is better it has a much shorter hood making parking easy and if necessary it also has a front forward camera that helps as well. Prior to the FJ I had an old YJ Jeep when I sold it to a friend it had 295,000 and ran like a Swiss watch. Sold it to a friend he sold it after a couple years and it had 324,000 and was still going strong. However, that was the old 4.0L in line six which Jeep basically built for 50 years. I hope this new truck is reliable. Lastly, I test drove the Rubicon and the Mojave. I really like the orange accents on the Mojave unfortunately where I am at they literally were the exact same price. I just couldn't justify the Mojave with only a rear locker and yes it has bigger Fox Shocks if you want to jump your 60K truck (which I wouldn't) so to me Rubicon made more sense, front and rear locker plus a crawler transfer case. On a side not I have heard that Ford in a few years will release a Bronco Pickup :) Just my two cents so far since I have owned both trucks with Tacoma vs Gladiator Wheel Safe
@@PAKraig Well I am happy to share whatever info (good bad ) on either trucks. Yes, I belong to both Gladiator and Tacoma forums..not super active. Oh one thing I wanted to add after last post was engines and gas mileage. So Tacoma, I felt it really lacked low end torque (although power button helps) it got up and went after about 35 40 mph ...but low end lacked compared to Gladiator or even the older Toyota 4.0L in older Tacoma or FJ. On "paper" the Tacoma is faster in 1/4 mile but right off line the Gladiator is way quicker "snappier". BUT the Jeep 3.6 is definitely more thirsty than the Tacoma. So if your driving a lot or commuting you will notice it. Oh and Gladiators bed is not as deep, the Gladiator is more like older well not as shallow as say first gen more like the last generation for storage. Anyhow, if mine has any issues Ill be sure to forward to ya. :)
@@Grodd70 I test drove a Mojave back in August and thought it was much snappier than my Tacoma if each in manual mode to take full advantage of 1st gear. My local dealer has a manual Rubicon that I'd like to drive just to experience the difference but you can't even test drive them right now due to the recall. Knowing that a manufacturer builds a $60k vehicle carelessly enough for it to catch on fire certainly doesn't help their track record. Hard to give up on the Tacoma thought too, I've seen ZERO depreciation in it over the last 12 months thanks to the pandemic and telework. My office "should be" long term telework now, so I'm not concerned w/ mpgs. My Tacoma has OME suspension and 33" BFGs so you can't expect 20 even on the highway. I think I've talked myself down from a new truck again for a few more months so I'll check in again when the new truck bug bites next time! 👍🏼
@@PAKraig Well if the thing stops running or catches on fire I will let ya know. :} Well actually if after this much money I'd let the world know....It is really sad that 1/4 ton trucks (esp Jeep) or all trucks for that matter costs as much as they do..anyhow wheel drive safe
I’ve owned a YJ and now a JK. No other vehicles I’ve owned (multiple trucks) made me want to roll the windows down over using the ac. Love my jk soft top Willys.
Great review on the Gladiator, But i really have to look at overall quality/longevity which i'm not so sure is there with Chrysler or Fiat. Simply put, the Jeeps of yesteryear were great vehicles, not so sure if that can be said about the new ones. I do like that its got the ZF 8 speed
Jeeps of Daimler were craptastically unreliable. Pentastar 3.6 is one of the most reliable engines Jeep has ever had. Trans isn't made my FCA, nor is the Transfer Case, nor the axles. What are you worried about? . Toyota people need to wise up. Toyota markets their vehicles as being "perceived" more reliable. I shit you not they are running adds with small print that says reliability is based on customer perceptions. One of, if not the, largest auto manufacturers whom collects mountains worth of data cannot justify a simple statistical test (inferential analysis) to support a claim that they have the most reliable vehicles when Subaru does so all the time. . Basically it's your wife claiming you cheated and you walk away without denying it... we know what it really means, and that is the fact that Toyota is a for-profit organization that has been caught up to in, and surpassed in many regards, quality. . They even claim that the BMW Supra exceeds their quality standards... which means Toyota is aiming for BMW levels... or lying to Supra customers about reliability and quality which is a worse outcome.
The Tacoma beats the Gladiator on resale value by a long margin. I know, because I sold my Tacoma for more than I paid for it new. I was going t by another Tacoma, but the Gladiator caught my eye, so I bought one. I now regret my decision . . . not to have gotten a Gladiator sooner. In many ways, I like the Gladiator a lot better than I did the Tacoma.
@@henryren2790 I'm not the one who sold my Tacoma, but the pre owned truck market, especially Tacomas, is out of this world right now. At wholesale auction right now, my 2017 Tacoma is worth the same value I paid for it 3 years ago and almost 50,000 miles ago. Chip shortage 🤷🏼♂️
@@PAKraig it’s not just Tacoma’s I got the same I paid for my 2019 ram as when I bought it then bought a Mojave . And I am in the business , we have been taking trades on trucks giving people good trade value then just selling them at auction for stupid money. Tacoma’s resale has always been high but jeep is at another level it always has been.
Just got my gladiator Mojave 2023 although I knew and new body Tacoma‘s were on their way, the jeep is just so much sexier. "easy decision for. JEEP LIFE!
I would buy one of these if i actually go off road. Right now i own a sierra denali lifted 35s on 22s etc and its hard for me to go from a big truck to a smaller truck if im not going off road or if it doesn't snow a lot here in Va but very nice comparison
I've been loyal to Toyota since 82, two 4Runners first was an 89 that i had to have the engine rebuilt due to blown head gaskets, truck was never the same. Had a short run with a Ford f150 went back to the 4Runner in 93 which was one of the best vehicles i ever owned and kept for 16 years. Traded it for a 2018 TRD Sport Tacoma. I had the truck back to the dealer numerous times due to the Toyota Safety Sense consistently braking. I had a major accident which totaled the truck and fully intended to replace it with a TRD OFF Road. Stopped by the Jeep dealer, test drove the Gladiator Rubicon in Billet Silver and never looked back. I've owed the Gladiator for 9 months now and absolutely love everything about it. Solid build, plenty of power and tons of complements!
For off reading , Jeep needs Mojave suspension with locking front differential. Before I had 500 miles on my Rubicon Unlimited I had bottomed out the front suspension going over railroad crossings twice and I mean a hard teeth jaring bottom. Hell, I thought I broke the little Jeep. The Mojave has better suspension, but lacks that front locker for some asinine reason. Quite honestly, the lockers are worthless though unless you are really in some deep snow, mud or sand. All jeeps need a 30 gal min fuel tank. My farm is an hour from gas so I’m forced to store more fuel in the barn.
I have a 2018 TRD PRO and its a great truck but rear drums in 2018 is kinda sad. Eng/Tran's is reliable but not optimal at all. Searching for gears and only makes power in higher rpm range. Im looking at a 2023 Glad Mojave
In another chanel he compares both which he owned. A major consideration in Tacoma is from is U shaped and riveted. Water can get in chanel and between sections. Riveting is not a good idea, should be welded or maybe Tundra has better frame design?
The Jeep absolutely look the best as off roaders. They look amazing. That said, in 10 years, the Tacoma will still be going strong. The Gladiator... not so much.
@@double_joseph327 uh ? I mean 10 years from now lol I bought a 20 year old Toyota Camry last week. Changed the spark plugs, did oil change, changed brake fluid, changed transmission fluid, power steering fluid, changed the torque strut mount and it's running very smoothly. Would that happen with a Jeep ? Doubt it.
I wouldn’t discount the reliability of the 3.6. Also, plenty of jeeps for sale with 150-250K on the odometer. Are they more reliable than a Toyota? No, but it doesn’t mean they’re not reliable.
@@double_joseph327 Do I even have to remind you how durable and reliable pretty much ALL Toyotas are ? Jeeps are known to have issues after 100k miles.
Gladiator much better looking than the Tacoma. But you are probably going to get to know your dealer a lot better with the Jeep. He has had a lot of Toyota products, so he probably doesn't know what it is like to live with a unreliable vehicle.
The new Tacoma is not like the old ones, 2016 and up have problems. If you wanted to buy a Tacoma I would purchase a 2015 and older . I work at a Toyota dealership, but drive a gladiator.
Jeeps will last longer then a Toyota! Come on Toyota buyers please be honest and tell us all the problems with your Toyota’s. Jeeps will be worth more money after 4 years and 30 years and a stock gladiator is ready for off road vs a Toyota. If you buy a Toyota you will need to spend more money then a stock gladiator to compete and keep up with a gladiator on the trail. My stock Rubicon will out preform your stock Tacoma! Please prove me wrong, I will give you my location and we can put up our titles.
You what you need to do is remake the video and explain why you choose the Gladiator looks over the Tacomas reliability. I've seeing videos of people having trouble with thier jeep Glads.
@@TheOtherCleveland You can find the mopar 2" arms for like $32 a piece... Shocks for like $650 a piece, and just get the springs and sway bar end links and save like $300-$500. I did a terraflex 1.5" level, 2" mopar arms, & .75" daystar rear spacer. It looks great, rides as stock, and cost me $250. You can run 37s with it if you install the 1" bump spacers, otherwise 35s and a fairly level ride.
Laughing. Been on your ADV channel for so long didn’t know you reviewed vehicles….stumbled in this by pure coincidence doing new homework on Jeep. Spent three weeks getting removed from two deliveries on Tacoma TRD Off Road deliveries. Backlogs getting longer and now a $5k “dealer premium” just to order with no date for delivery and lack of color options. Did plenty of homework before but now starting over, courtesy of this nutty chip shortage. Had a friend with the Jeep Gladiator who loves it. Now starting homework anew….good review, as most all your content is. Thx.
I had this same problem trying to decide between the two also. Coming from only owning jeeps most my adult life it was natural I went with the Tacoma.haha I really dig the jeep tho off roading wasn't my #1 priority tho.
Check out my new in depth honest owner review of the Jeep Gladiator! th-cam.com/video/fMOtcX1oXxo/w-d-xo.html
Moral of the story : Never tell wife how much you spent.
Another reason I know I have the best wife. She's not a fan of Jeeps. In fact, she loves her Toyotas. But she talked me into finally getting my JT despite my planning to wait until more used JTs were available. The dealer bent over backwards. The only thing I didn't get that I would have liked but have to accept some sacrifices when getting used is diesel. I wanted a diesel but no used diesels were coming in.
This comment is real as F
I really struggled with this same decision. I have never owned either Jeep or Toyota so the research was on! After 3 months I bought a Jeep Rubicon in the Snazzberry color. I’m completely smitten with it more and more every day! Absolutely NO regrets!
Same here, only a decade after getting my JKU. It was this fact that made getting the JT super easy. They handle almost identically but having large dogs (rhodesian ridgebacks) I needed larger cargo area for them and the JT with a Smartcap shell is the answer. Now if I can just get the rhodesians to get into the bed of the truck...my male loves riding shotgun and my female owns the backseat.
Congrats! I’m kind of in the same boat. Never owned either, never owned a truck in general lol how’s it been going so far?
The Gladiator isn't for everyone that's for sure. I've always loved my Wranglers. But having a truck bed, even though it's small, is just a game changer for a Jeep. Plus the tailgate. That's the best part!
Probably one of the most honest and valuable review i’ve seen on the tube...thanks, you have my subscribe
thanks
I have watched almost all of your videos. Very good and informative. Now I have the gladiator but I understand why people say “Just Empty Every Pocket.” So true
thanks
Thanks for sharing this, Ian. Beautiful truck, and I appreciate your logic in choosing the Gladiator. Enjoy'
Your videos are helping me transition out of my 16’ Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn. I feel a test drive coming in the near future.
Even though I’ll never get a JT (unless 2 doors), I’ve always been a fan of the wrangler platform. Very flexible and huge aftermarket support.
I'm a four door fan and have both a JT and JKU but I would probably get a two door JT if they had one. Tremendous aftermarket fof Jeeps!
As a person who went from owning a 2019 TRD Off-Road Tacoma to a Gladiator, I think you nailed it. A few things I would add to your review from the perspective of having the Gladiator now:
Pros: Coil Spring Rear End and Stiffer Chassis. I think the gladiator is far less Jittery than the Tacoma. Additional payload of max tow is nice too.
Cons: Tacoma’s overall build quality is better. Wind noise, I’m used to it but it would be nice to be a little quieter. But having the removable top is the price you pay.
Nice review! Both great trucks tbh.
awesome, great points!
And you can fit a 35” spare on a Gladiator! Plus both the interior and exterior is unique and iconic;)
I had a JKUR before my Tacoma Off Road. No complaints on the Jeep. There is nothing like wheeling with a solid axle. Got a Tacoma for the reliability and capability. I don’t go off road as often as I drive on the highway, so the IFS is nice, but that is not the main reason I got a Tacoma. I got a substantial discount on a TOYOTA because I am friends with the GM at a local dealer, and secondly, I have never had a TOYOTA 4x4. I have been going off roading for 30 years. I have had Jeeps, a D90, a Nissan Hardbody, and a modded Tahoe. I like to try different things, and no truck I have ever owned made me want to not ever try something else. Since I will be retiring soon, this Taco May be my last new 4x4. Or not🤷♂️. Enjoy what you have!
Thanks for sharing
I decided to downsize from my full sized Tundra and looked at both of these too. I came to the same decisions of either of these two. I am very happy with my Gladiator
great
Same. I had a Tacoma, went to the Tundra, then to the Gladiator.
You had the most reliable truck ever made to the least reliable. Congrats!
Big Rock Media, you're right. One thing I didn't like when test driving the Tacoma was how low the seat was. It felt like I was sitting on the floor. Exterior design looks great. But it's not designed for my tall frame. Great video and enjoy your new truck!
First experience with a mid-sized Toyota pick-up?
@@caiaz1 No. I have friends who own them.
Same here, i was looking at the Tacoma, hated the interior, seat was low, i couldn't see over the big bulky dash. As a smaller framed person, i felt the Gladiator's interior fit me like a glove! That's what swayed me the most.
I have the Tacoma TRD Offroad. I do have some brand loyalty. But appreciated your rationales. I am not into intense off-roading, but enjoy trail running and occasional "difficult" trails. Your Jeep is really great looking, though. Enjoy
Thanks. I understand why people love the Tacoma, it has always been a reliable truck.
Reliability, Big Rock Media, is something you won't notice unless you keep the product for 4 or 5 years. You probability will have moved onto another vehicle long before that many years.
Also was deciding between a gladiator and the Tacoma. Went with the gladiator Mojave as most of what we have here are sand dunes. Easily fit some 35s with no lift needed. Best freaking thing ever!
I agree with everything you said in this video. I considered the Tacoma also...so glad I got the JEEP!
For such a capable truck, the JT R is comfortable on road...I was really surprised by this when I bought mine. I'm reluctant to do a lift now after driving it stock on 33's., I will probable just do 35's and keep it as a do everything truck.
That's what I did, 35 is a great size
I love my 2009 JKU and it is a stock Sahara. Only thing changed was a ARB rear bumper after getting rear ended and a snorkel after moving to Houston (before Harvey). I mention that because despite being from Utah and driving Moab regularly stock Jeeps (not the sport versions, anything with real tires on it and 4 wheel drive) are more than enough. Mine has served me for deer hunting and beach trips and it was only the addition of two very large dogs that made me add a JT to the family. It handles almost identically to the JKU which was another reason I liked it. I have had the Jeep bug for quite sometime. It's truly enjoyable!
Absolutely bad ass truck. I’m highly jealous. Another fine purchase Sir.
Also. This I why I love you’re reviews. I do the same amount of research on everything I buy. Whether it be toothbrush or a vehicle!
@@Nev36 hats off to you, sir
@@Nev36 same lol 😂
Very well lined up. I've owned Jeeps for almost 30 years but also Toyotas. I currently have a 2016 Jeep Wrangler JKU Rubicon Hard Rock and a 2021 Tacoma TRD Off Road Premium. I love both vehicles and I got to admit that Jeep offers REAL Off-Road capabilities just like you said from the factory and not just nice decals or emblems, a fake hood scope, cool shocks and suspension to call it TRP Pro and sell it with street tires. LOL. Now I'm seriously thinking in trading my JKU for a Gladiator (I'm not selling my Tacoma). I had a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel and loved it. It might be the next engine in my Gladiator Rubicon I hope soon.
I completely agree with the seating position in the Tacoma--I thought it might just be me since I see them all over out here in Arizona, but like you, I found the seating position to be an immediate deal breaker--the overall cabin felt cramped. FYI, not a Toyota hater, either, as I have had 8 of them and currently have an 06 Sequoia. I've never owned a Jeep or sat in one recently, but one thing for sure is they knocked it out of the park with the exterior styling (very much like Ford has with the new Bronco and Bronco Sport). Looks fantastic in that blue color, and the mods you have on it look pretty cool. I look forward to more content on your experience with it in the months to come.
Thanks
Nice choice the gladiator is the best looking out of the midsize trucks the tacoma is ok but I'd go for the ranger as a second choice because of the performance the acceleration it's got the ecoboost mustang engine in it and with a tune I heard it's pushing out some serious power but I guess if you're planning on keeping one as a long term vehicle then it sounds like the tacoma is the best option not much excitement with it but the reliability is there but me personally I don't keep a vehicle without a warranty anyways
Ranger has issues, so does 2015 and later Tacoma. Jeep 3.6 is reliable, zf 8 speed is great. Chevy Colorado also , I would buy it over the Ford or toyota.
@@BigRockMoto you'd buy a Colorado over Tacoma or Ranger? In ZR2 trim I guess??
I hit a deer with my taco off road going 55mph. All the airbags deployed, and although there wasn't too much damage my insurance company totalled it.
I searched for top mid-sized trucks, and the Jeep Willys topped Car & Driver's list for off road vehicles (actually a sissy Honda mid was #1 due to its amenities, but it wasn't an off road vehicle). My Taco off road came in at a paltry #6. I still test drove a 2021 taco. It's a solid,, reliable every day truck that I'd felt comfortable driving. During the test drive I felt the shift gears when I pulled out into an intersection after coming to a full stop. The shifting killed momentum. I realized I'd gotten used to this. A few hours later I drove a Willys. The difference was night and day. The gear shift was smooth with plentiful power.
Sure, it was $7k more, but I have to drive it. The tacos bottom out when driving off curbs, and into ruts. I learned the only way around the curb required me to back the off the curb letting the rear tires drop first. That was the only way that worked.
I purposely drove the Willys off a curb during my test drive (shhh don't tell the dealer)... it didn't flinch, and never came close to bottoming out.
That sold me.
We still own three other Toyotas: Prius, Rav4, and a Tacoma SR5. In fact I went car shopping driving the Prius.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for being honest. It will be interesting to see the resale value in 6yrs in this Jt’s
agreed
Came across your video and I agree 100% I currently own a Tacoma but have been looking at the gladiator for some time now for the same reasons you mentioned. Just a matter of time before I trade the Tacoma in lol
Just changed out my Taco Sport for Willys Glad. I don’t miss that anemic motor/trans!
Congrats Tim on new Glad. I had a 2016 Tacoma TRD Off-Road (had an FJ prior to the Tacoma and it was great) drove the Tacoma till this year and hated the engine. The 3.5 has no low end torque, yes it got better gas mileage than the FJ 4.0l but Toyota's 4.0 was a WAY Better engine. I bought a 2021 Gladiator Rubicon LOVE IT. Way more comfortable much better power delivery. The 8 speed shifts much better than the 6 speed Tacoma, Tacoma is always searching for a gear. Top stereo Toyota JBL to Jeep Alpine = no comparison. Yes, Tacoma got better gas mileage than the Gladiator as well but that is pretty much the only advantage Toyota has.
@@Grodd70 well that and this dodge will be dead at 75k while the taco will be going to 300k
Congratulations, you overpaid for a junk vehicle that looks extremely ugly... could of at least got a wrangler,
@@POTFULLOFGREEN Thank you for your highly insightful and useful opinions.
@@kidamere2408 Well that we shall see. I had a wrangler back in day (although that was the 4.0L in line six uncomplicated tractor motor) that was 16 years old when I got rid of it and it had 295K on it. With only front wheel bearings replaced.
Great unbiased review! Bought the ‘21 Rubicon and am totally impressed with it. Keep up the great work!
Love the color the gladiator! I am thinking of getting one as well -
Do it. :)
I think you made a good decision, the gladiator is much more responsive and has better off road capability than the new Tacoma. If you want a Tacoma get an older one with a 4.0L V6, the new 3.5L is a lazy engine with some weird gremlins in it and the transmission is pretty lethargic. The gladiator has a reliable pentastar with that good ZF850 transmission and comes standard with 4wd, the Tacoma you have to spend extra for that. I am actually a technician for Toyota but I own and drive a 2021 Jeep Gladiator.
Awesome thanks for sharing. Agree about the new 3.5 toyota engine - should have kept the 4.0
@@BigRockMoto Definitely the 4.0 was a WAY better engine than the 3.5. I didn't have the 4.0 In a Tacoma but I had in an FJ and it was a great engine. The newer 3.5 lack low end torque, granted after it gets up to about 45 -50 miles an hour it gets moving but wrong torque curve for a truck.
True life story here, hopefully for the best! Only time will tell.
2019 Tacoma TRD Pro 6 speed manual. Had it for 6 months and 7500k. Cool looking truck and drove great, pretty smooth and quiet. It pretty much ends there. Got rid of it.
2020 Gladiator 3.6 gas. Bought this to replace the Tacoma. Better powertrain, better interior, better rear legroom for my kids and better mpg (about 2mpg). Solid axle is not as nice to drive and yes mire wind noise. BUT easy $200 spacer lift 2” front and .75” rear and 35” tires no problem.
2021 Gladiator 3.0 diesel. Everything I loved about my gas Gladiator but with incredible power and 3-4mpg better overall. Added a 1.5” up front with my same winch and steel bumper. Fox shocks and tada shes rides very well. I cant say enough about the Gladiator, I love it and hopefully stays around fir a bit. If not, it will be worth $$$$$ if they drop the diesel.
Another side not, both trucks do incredibly well when its comes to resale. Im the perfect example, i actually made money on my last trade in.
Just ordered my 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel and I can’t wait to have fun like you thanks for sharing
You’ve really made me second guess these two trucks. Love the Tacoma but didn’t realize all the extras you get with the Jeep.
Get the cheaper tacoma an custom it how you want with the extra money
@@1989inception ya still probably going to go with the Tacoma. Even getting the fully loaded TRD will only be around $45k vs the fully loaded gladiator will be $60k plus.
@@1989inception Sure, but you get more capability in the cheap Gladiator than the cheap Tacoma.
@@bbyeahwhatever Fully loaded Tacomas exceed $50k. Especially now. A TRD OR with leather seats is like $45k. I got my JT Rubicon with leather seats for $48k. With Jeep, you can easily get them under invoice. Just go onto the forum and DM one of the participating dealers and they'll hook you up with a 3-5% bellow invoice price. I bought mine during a Jeep incentive, so I got mine for 10.6% under invoice. Also get an extra 1% off with a tread lightly membership iirc. Not saying the Tacoma isn't great, just that the real world pricing is much closer than expected. I found no upgrade Rubicon's for $36k on the East Coast... that's manual trans, soft top, and halogen everything...
02:41 hahah! Subtle humor! That just earned you a sub! I've been binging your videos. Great stuff!
well i traded in my 21 taco trd offroad for a 22 gladiator mojave and i couldnt be any happier. the mojave has a much better ride and is way more comfortable, especially in long trips. no regrets al all.
Just bought a new 2023 gladiator Rubicon for cheaper than I could get a pro. It was closer to trd off-road pricing. Gladiators are selling for 20 to 25% off MSRP right now. Bonus I get a front locker and swaybar disconnect and can take doors and top off!
You know what????
I got nothing to argue your right on point, I got a 2022 Tacoma 4WD sport and I can see the differences right off the back!
I’m bit more of in city usage 99.9 % of the time but I think I would consider a rubicon instead modifying the Tacoma!
Great choice and great review!!
An ageless design.never ages.A very capable car.Enjoy.(I have an JK Wrangler sport(6 speed man diesel).
honestly, I think the JK looks better than the JL. Obviously the interior of the JL is on another level, but no one can legitimately state that the JL or Bronco is better off road than a JK. Like you said, the JL JT JK are like 40 and 70 series land cruisers that will always look great.
For sensible, economical people, the Tacoma is the choice. For the rest of us normal people, the Gladiator is the obvious choice. Love my Gladiator thus far.
It's not just about economy, it's also about intelligence, what use is about 35 in the car if it's the same rubbish as a mini cooper that breaks down all the time... spend money foolishly
Great video. Your truck is really cool! I went with Tacoma. I have never had a Jeep or Toyota either. The resell and reputation of a Tacoma was something in my mind when I made the purchase plus I had to ask myself at what level of off road-ability do I really need. If I was a hard core off roader I think Jeep is the choice but refinement, ride comfort etc....edges me towards Tacoma in addition to the price. I also really liked the 6 speed manual in my 2022 TRD OR.
Exact same situation I was in. I needed to tow some which was a big thing, both did what I needed with automatic. I don’t need off road capability either. The max tow package is what sold me on the Jeep considering what you get for cost, and the fact of removable doors and roof. Quality is subjective because I don’t abuse vehicles. Either way both are awesome, I just hate the “you should have bought what I bought!!” arguments. Buy what you like/need. It’s your money!
Truck U just showed the engine oil drain back issue on the Gladiola. After 30 minutes of being shut down all of the engine oil drains back into the crankcase, even the oil filter is bone dry. Please do yourself a favor and purchase the after market kit to prevent this or your engine will always dry start. Also there is a TSB on the manual transmission models. The clutches self destruct when the engine gets hot. The fix is a software update to lower engine power when it gets hot! Jeep, Italian engineering at it's worst.
I also didn’t go with a Tacoma... I went with a power wagon! PW for the win!
love the PW
I spent 6 months going back and forth on it. I have always owned Tacomas, but was torn between the Gladiator in the Rubicon or a TRD Pro Tacoma. I went with the Tacoma because it was signficantly less money. I wasn't sure the shock reservoirs were worth the additional money (I live in North Idaho). The front locking would have been nice though!
My bro had a brand new JL. His JL also knew the dealership more than he does cuz it's always going in for something that it became ridiculous. After 3 FCA products, one of which was also a new 2500 6.4 hemi with a failed transmission (bro dont even tow), he ended up in new 4runner. After his fiasco with FCA products, they're just disposable vehicles.
Strange I had the opposite experience. My JL has been wheeling hard and daily driving for nearly four years no problems. It's slammed down on shocks, scraped across diffy, slammed down on steering shocks, countless cases of hard abuse and I've seen 0 issues.
Buddy bought a tacoma in march, boasted every time he saw me that his tacoma would outlast my jeep exponentially. Well he owned it for four months before the transmission melted. Mind you it never towed, it never went over so much as gravel driveways and it broke down on a flat paved road. He doesn't talk about reliability anymore. :)
I don't believe you just one of those my brother cousin stories.
I've had two jeeps, the first being a 91 YJ and the second a 98TJ and they were both amazing and perfectly reliable but, I will say, I think jeep really messed up with their 3.8 and transmission combo that they went to (many horror stories and they are a pain to work on). Im starting to come around and see that the 3.6 and whatever transmission it has, is pretty good. I bought a tacoma with the bias of reliability but i dont think modern jeep drivetrains are too far behind if at all.
My husband bought a Wrangler back in 2015 just because of it's look. He even took it on a dirt road! 🇨🇦😁
Your husband is a rebel. Hardly anyone takes their Jeeps off-road anymore.
Dirt lmao
First let me say that I have had both vehicles. First was a 2002 4 door Tacoma(loved the truck but motor was lacking towing at highway speeds and I didn't care for the new styling of the next models), then 2012 2 door Ruby's( 2 of them), and finally the 2021 Gladiator Rubicon. The 2012's were great and turned on a dime, loved the 5 speed transmission but towing a boat was a challenge. Now we get to the 2021 JK Rubicon ...yes I like it the best so far but now the Negatives: 1. Being longer the turning radius is something to get used too compared to the 2 doors. 2. I'm still undecided on the 8 speed transmission compared to the 5 speed of the JK's...Time will tell. 3. I'm not all onboard with the electronics package of the 2021, as I like the JK package better. Give me back control of my vehicle!
Tone down what the electronics control example the BS motor stop at red lights needs to have a permanently turn off, transmission lock if door is open... there is a reason why the door is open, and in my own opinion have a tow haul button. These maybe trivia to some but in my conditions vital. Yes I would buy again as i like the overall package.
I own a 2017 sports Tacoma,but when I went vacation I rented a wrangler jeep! That’s when I started 😍 ❤wow! My next car is jeep wrangler or Gladiator.I’m serious this truck is looks very strong and rugged
Excellent video, well narrated! I was not a Jeep fan until the new Jeep JL was introduced to the market in 2018. I now own a 2019 JLUR and absolutely love it! It is one of my favourite vehicles!
@big rock media I might be reading into your post above a little too much here, but it really is more than just "reliable." I have a mid priced Old Man Emu lift and 33s on my 2017 TRD Off Road for less money than a Gladiator Rubicon, and it'll go at least 95% of the places a stock JTR will go. My apologies for sounding all defensive :-) To equalize some of the JT's reported issues, my Tacoma did have some shifting issues that were remedied by an ECU flash and just time spent behind the wheel, I have random plastic pieces (fender well trim) coming loose on a regular basis that need to be fixed with larger washers and factory screws and zip ties in some cases, and my fuel door keeps trying to remove itself from the truck every time I stop for gas, thanks to a poorly designed hinge. Also, my kids sure would like some AC vents in the backseat like your JT has!! Those minor points aside, I think maybe the biggest point you missed (if I may) is the actual purchase price of the Jeeps. AT MOST you'll see $2k off sticker for a Tacoma, but at most Jeep dealerships, you can easily expect $5k off sticker and if I put in a full day making 3 dealerships compete for my business, I am very confident in that $5k being closer to $8-10k off of MSRP.
Again, great subject for a video and lots of good info. I'm sure these 2 models are very frequently pitted against each other for a lot of buyers' hard-earned money!
Being a multi gen Tacoma owner - I agree with everything you said. Price might be the deciding factor here for most people. What can people justify spending but also seems more people are able to get loans for less than 40k than jumping to 55k+? Beautiful Jeep you got there!
Thanks
I used to have a 1977 CJ-7 Golden Eagle 🦅 with a 304cid / Blackjack headers / Thrush turbo sonic mufflers .. sitting on a 3” Trailmaster suspension lift on a set of 33” Super Swampers . It had the optional ‘low range’ transfer case with lockout hubs... dam I miss that thing ! So much fun back in my high school/ post HS days .
After seeing these new Gladiators, it just rekindles a spark in me . But I mean dam ! The price is ridiculous on these new vehicles.
I’m a poor person lol 😝 I may look at options but I’ve been eyeballing a Tacoma TRD off-road too . The used market is really not an option because they hold their value so well , I’d rather just buy a new one .
Would love another video on your Gladiator after you rack up some miles…👍🏻
Both are great options for sure. My decision would have to come down to style. I’ve learned thorough years of honing my craft while exiling across Europe that style takes a truck from good to INSPIRED. When towing farm animals to use in a production, one might gain insights and inspirations along the way if one rides in style. 😎🙆♂️
He should do a test to see how tyson chicken he can tow
@@michaellam2622 Not a bad idea for those in the meat industry. However, I am referring to animals in artistic productions, not chicken nugget productions. 👑🎭🎼
Just what sort of farm animal production we talking about here?
@@BigRockMoto one of my greatest works was set in the city of Szechwan and included a seller of bat soup as a lead character. I was exiling in the US and used a Ford truck to tow a bed full of bats for the premiere. I’m passionate about the intersection of arts and outdoor adventure! 🦇🎭⛺️🛻
@@brechtverfremdung2026 I like bet soup 🍜👀
**Would you buy the Gladiator or Tacoma? Why? Share below --**
Good vid👍
neither -- dont need off an road package I would not use. I love the look of the JT and would love to get one if they offered a lower priced none off road package with max towing.
Cheers
well i did buy a gladiator, while the tacoma is cramped, paint like cake icing and can't shift to save it's life, it may not have issues like it's a 7 year old truck... now dealing with my gladiators center two exhaust hanger bushings making a loud scrape sound over bumps. looks like will have to try and grease to fix it. it's less than a year old...thats just one of many issues, wait until your gladiator gets the broken door weld click they will ALL eventually get in all the doors, problem since 2018 JL. thanks FCA, nice parting gift before the French government took over. i mean i do like the mod ability and the head room but i shouldn't have to be fixing things on a 40k dollar truck.
Funny that you mention the door hinges. I have seen paint worn away and rusting metal on the exterior door hinges. I also do not like how the thin sheet metal has many punch out holes below the doors along the sides of the new JL and JTs. I live in MA and those will quickly erode after our salt covered streets during the winters! After test driving the JL, JT and Tacoma at the end of 2019, I chose a 2020 TRD off road Taco. To me it looks the best stock also, but is only a lease up in Nov. 2022. It was also the first year of the Gladiator so did not wanna get a first year model. All this being said I totally agree that the ability to add bigger wheels and tires is a big selling point. 8 speeds to turn larger rubber helps too. The solid front axle vs. IFS also, which is a big draw back for the new Bronco’s most off road enthusiasts would agree!! Also...... grab handles! Tacoma and four runner do not have them on the driver’s side any more if you wanna add a proper lift. A draw back is you can not move your seat very far back with those manual adjustments. Toyota finally added electrical adjustments for the driver and I can really move my seat back up and down quite a bit and tilt on the bottom too. So, as much as I do enjoy my Tacoma your video addresses why I still have an interest for trading it in come 2022. Great 👍 work dude
@Frank Crooker Sounds like you are a tRumper?
@Frank Crooker but you will buy from a vehicle maker screwing consumers of millions of dollars! What Toyota did with the world wide recall from their rusty frames, poor design, shitty transmissions and motors! Keep your POS turd.
Your videos are getting better and better. Great job!
Thanks
Going from a Colorado to a Gladiator on order. No big problems with either the Colorado or Tacoma, but the Gladiator is just plain more fun.
I would take the Gladiator over the Tacoma, however, I would not trade my 4Runner for a Gladiator. For your usage with the bed rack and RTT over the bed you made the right choice I think.
I love my rack and tent setup for sire
@@BigRockMoto Yeah, I think the bed rack with RTT matching the roof line like the way your Jeep is set up is definitely the way to go.
So I’m a Mopar guy in general. I got my first Toyota ever in my life. It’s a 2021 4Runner TRD Off Road, and with a sissy V6 and a 5 speed transmission. I freaking hate it. I live in Utah, I work out of North Salt Lake and live in Providence, UT so I drive through a canyon of mountains (roughly a 15 mile stretch) and I’m just commuting, my 4Runner drops to 3rd gear, runs at about 4,000rpm’s+ and I run cruise control. My friend owns a 2019 Tacoma, same kind of problem. Yeah Toyotas last damn near forever but a motor and transmission that’s over a decade old and still can’t get the shifting correct, F*** Toyota.
After owning both Toyotas and Nissans I decide to try the Gladiator .... so far it ranks as one of the most capable, comfortable, and so far with zero issues .... one of the most reliable.
Lol yeah getting big tires to fit is a pain. Just saw a guy on Facebook put 37s on his third gen Tacoma though. it looks pretty sick
Lol I like Toyota trucks, except the only Toyota truck we had was my dad's 1987 Toyota truck he bought new. Didn't have a name...just Toyota truck. Then we traded it for a 2005 Chevy Colorado with the 5 cylinder. It was a nice little offroad worthy truck. Then I bought my first truck, a 2015 Chevy Silverado (just above the Work trim package), and finally my 2020 Gladiator.
I love my Gladiator. It's a Sport S with the max towing package. I custom ordered it with everything I wanted, and nothing I didn't. It's got the 8.4 screen, & premium audio. It's considered luxury to me. The transmission is so smooth coming from the clunky GM 6 speed. Also because I'm pretty short, I LOVE that the seat can be raised so I am able to see better. It's very comfortable and cozy for a 5'4 115lb guy.
Awesome enjoy your gladiator~!
I did the same thing. Love my Gladiator. It's definitely an upgrade over the Tacoma.
I like the falcon wilpeaks.. I’ve got some on my Toyota Tacoma.. best tire for the money in my opinion .. for an AT tire.
Yes.
I love those tires too
I've been extremely impressed with my set. Not noisy, good MPG, good ride, good wear, sounds awesome when they understeer, and seem to be excellent off road and in wet conditions.
Brand loyalty mostly comes from the company’s reputation. Yes you can add more bells and whistles every year model but if that company has less desirable reputation, I won’t buy it. I would rather invest in a vehicle with less bells and whistles but is reliable and most cost effective in the long term. But, however you want to spend your money is up to you.
Can you put 35”s on a stock Willys? Same suspension. Also you can’t compare these two. I feel like Toyotas are on every corner. This is a pick up truck as well as a convertible and a kick ass off-road vehicle. Just like Toyota these will have amazing resale just like the Wrangler.
I love your lack of brand loyalty. I don't care for Jeep brand overall but am a hard core wrangler enthusiast.
I honestly don’t know why I watch these types of videos. As much as I would like to buy a new truck, I am not anytime soon. They just drive me crazy seeing all the good tech
Great review, thanks! I wrestle daily w/ trading in my 2017 Tacoma TRD Offroad on a Gladiator Rubicon or Mojave. Seems to be enough Jeep negatives to keep me in the Tacoma for the foreseeable future, but if Toyota would offer a retro FJ pickup, then it's game over for the Tacoma! Hey, a guy can dream, right??
I traded in my 16 Tacoma Trd Offroad in for a Gladiator now its only got 1,600 miles on it but so far LOVE the Gladiator. Comparing loaded to loaded models the Gladiator is much nicer although considerable more money so it makes sense. The other thing is its much more comfortable, the Tacoma I was sitting on the floor, the Jeep has better seats and seating position.
I had the JBL in Tacoma the Alpine system in Gladiator is better. I had a sun roof in the Tacoma but a removable modular top is more fun.
Now I will totally agree with ya on the FJ truck. I had an 08 Fj and it was GREAT. Loved it, it was definitely wider than the Tacoma or the Gladiator, I loved the interior room (blind spots and all :) The Gladiator does feel roomer than the Tacoma especially in the back seat.
My 16 Tacoma had a leveling kit with a one size bigger tire, not a big lift but you could definitely see the difference from stock height. However, that also made a big "blind spot" looking over hood. So far the Jeep forward visibility is better it has a much shorter hood making parking easy and if necessary it also has a front forward camera that helps as well.
Prior to the FJ I had an old YJ Jeep when I sold it to a friend it had 295,000 and ran like a Swiss watch. Sold it to a friend he sold it after a couple years and it had 324,000 and was still going strong. However, that was the old 4.0L in line six which Jeep basically built for 50 years. I hope this new truck is reliable.
Lastly, I test drove the Rubicon and the Mojave. I really like the orange accents on the Mojave unfortunately where I am at they literally were the exact same price. I just couldn't justify the Mojave with only a rear locker and yes it has bigger Fox Shocks if you want to jump your 60K truck (which I wouldn't) so to me Rubicon made more sense, front and rear locker plus a crawler transfer case.
On a side not I have heard that Ford in a few years will release a Bronco Pickup :) Just my two cents so far since I have owned both trucks with Tacoma vs Gladiator
Wheel Safe
@@Grodd70 Now that's the kind of info I'm looking for!! Thanks so much. Are you on any of the Tacoma or Gladiator forums?
@@PAKraig Well I am happy to share whatever info (good bad ) on either trucks. Yes, I belong to both Gladiator and Tacoma forums..not super active.
Oh one thing I wanted to add after last post was engines and gas mileage. So Tacoma, I felt it really lacked low end torque (although power button helps) it got up and went after about 35 40 mph ...but low end lacked compared to Gladiator or even the older Toyota 4.0L in older Tacoma or FJ. On "paper" the Tacoma is faster in 1/4 mile but right off line the Gladiator is way quicker "snappier". BUT the Jeep 3.6 is definitely more thirsty than the Tacoma. So if your driving a lot or commuting you will notice it.
Oh and Gladiators bed is not as deep, the Gladiator is more like older well not as shallow as say first gen more like the last generation for storage.
Anyhow, if mine has any issues Ill be sure to forward to ya.
:)
@@Grodd70 I test drove a Mojave back in August and thought it was much snappier than my Tacoma if each in manual mode to take full advantage of 1st gear. My local dealer has a manual Rubicon that I'd like to drive just to experience the difference but you can't even test drive them right now due to the recall. Knowing that a manufacturer builds a $60k vehicle carelessly enough for it to catch on fire certainly doesn't help their track record.
Hard to give up on the Tacoma thought too, I've seen ZERO depreciation in it over the last 12 months thanks to the pandemic and telework. My office "should be" long term telework now, so I'm not concerned w/ mpgs. My Tacoma has OME suspension and 33" BFGs so you can't expect 20 even on the highway.
I think I've talked myself down from a new truck again for a few more months so I'll check in again when the new truck bug bites next time! 👍🏼
@@PAKraig Well if the thing stops running or catches on fire I will let ya know. :} Well actually if after this much money I'd let the world know....It is really sad that 1/4 ton trucks (esp Jeep) or all trucks for that matter costs as much as they do..anyhow wheel drive safe
I’ve owned a YJ and now a JK. No other vehicles I’ve owned (multiple trucks) made me want to roll the windows down over using the ac. Love my jk soft top Willys.
Man you hit every points why I also bought my JL Rubicon
Bought a used 21 Willy’s this week. Its so awesome in hydro blue
love this color
I hope they have a v8 option down the line and maybe add a 2dr option
I'm considering a Gladiator. You're winning me over to the Hydro Blue.
It was an easy pick for me as soon as the roof came off
Great review on the Gladiator, But i really have to look at overall quality/longevity which
i'm not so sure is there with Chrysler or Fiat. Simply put, the Jeeps of yesteryear were
great vehicles, not so sure if that can be said about the new ones. I do like that its got the
ZF 8 speed
Jeeps of Daimler were craptastically unreliable. Pentastar 3.6 is one of the most reliable engines Jeep has ever had. Trans isn't made my FCA, nor is the Transfer Case, nor the axles. What are you worried about?
.
Toyota people need to wise up. Toyota markets their vehicles as being "perceived" more reliable. I shit you not they are running adds with small print that says reliability is based on customer perceptions. One of, if not the, largest auto manufacturers whom collects mountains worth of data cannot justify a simple statistical test (inferential analysis) to support a claim that they have the most reliable vehicles when Subaru does so all the time.
.
Basically it's your wife claiming you cheated and you walk away without denying it... we know what it really means, and that is the fact that Toyota is a for-profit organization that has been caught up to in, and surpassed in many regards, quality.
.
They even claim that the BMW Supra exceeds their quality standards... which means Toyota is aiming for BMW levels... or lying to Supra customers about reliability and quality which is a worse outcome.
Perfect informative video. Thank you.
Tires larger than 35's on a Jeep it'll be a good idea to beef up the steering box as well.
The Tacoma beats the Gladiator on resale value by a long margin. I know, because I sold my Tacoma for more than I paid for it new. I was going t by another Tacoma, but the Gladiator caught my eye, so I bought one. I now regret my decision . . . not to have gotten a Gladiator sooner. In many ways, I like the Gladiator a lot better than I did the Tacoma.
Oh, you tease with those... Nice comment! Hmm, so what color JTR should replace my Tacoma....
How did you sell the taco more than you paid for it new? You must got some serious skills in business
@@henryren2790 I'm not the one who sold my Tacoma, but the pre owned truck market, especially Tacomas, is out of this world right now. At wholesale auction right now, my 2017 Tacoma is worth the same value I paid for it 3 years ago and almost 50,000 miles ago. Chip shortage 🤷🏼♂️
@@PAKraig it’s not just Tacoma’s I got the same I paid for my 2019 ram as when I bought it then bought a Mojave . And I am in the business , we have been taking trades on trucks giving people good trade value then just selling them at auction for stupid money. Tacoma’s resale has always been high but jeep is at another level it always has been.
@@wallywanker7435 so Gladiators are holding their value well too?
Just got my gladiator Mojave 2023 although I knew and new body Tacoma‘s were on their way, the jeep is just so much sexier. "easy decision for. JEEP LIFE!
I’m super impressed already the gladiator is really.
I would buy one of these if i actually go off road. Right now i own a sierra denali lifted 35s on 22s etc and its hard for me to go from a big truck to a smaller truck if im not going off road or if it doesn't snow a lot here in Va but very nice comparison
I've been loyal to Toyota since 82, two 4Runners first was an 89 that i had to have the engine rebuilt due to blown head gaskets, truck was never the same. Had a short run with a Ford f150 went back to the 4Runner in 93 which was one of the best vehicles i ever owned and kept for 16 years. Traded it for a 2018 TRD Sport Tacoma. I had the truck back to the dealer numerous times due to the Toyota Safety Sense consistently braking. I had a major accident which totaled the truck and fully intended to replace it with a TRD OFF Road. Stopped by the Jeep dealer, test drove the Gladiator Rubicon in Billet Silver and never looked back. I've owed the Gladiator for 9 months now and absolutely love everything about it. Solid build, plenty of power and tons of complements!
For off reading , Jeep needs Mojave suspension with locking front differential. Before I had 500 miles on my Rubicon Unlimited I had bottomed out the front suspension going over railroad crossings twice and I mean a hard teeth jaring bottom. Hell, I thought I broke the little Jeep. The Mojave has better suspension, but lacks that front locker for some asinine reason. Quite honestly, the lockers are worthless though unless you are really in some deep snow, mud or sand. All jeeps need a 30 gal min fuel tank. My farm is an hour from gas so I’m forced to store more fuel in the barn.
Thanks for the video and info!
I'm a Tacoma guy but I love gladiators, definitely my second favorite truck
I have a 2018 TRD PRO and its a great truck but rear drums in 2018 is kinda sad. Eng/Tran's is reliable but not optimal at all. Searching for gears and only makes power in higher rpm range. Im looking at a 2023 Glad Mojave
In another chanel he compares both which he owned. A major consideration in Tacoma is from is U shaped and riveted. Water can get in chanel and between sections. Riveting is not a good idea, should be welded or maybe Tundra has better frame design?
Good honest review!
The Jeep absolutely look the best as off roaders. They look amazing. That said, in 10 years, the Tacoma will still be going strong. The Gladiator... not so much.
Why? The jeep gladiator hasn’t been out for 10 years
@@double_joseph327 uh ? I mean 10 years from now lol
I bought a 20 year old Toyota Camry last week. Changed the spark plugs, did oil change, changed brake fluid, changed transmission fluid, power steering fluid, changed the torque strut mount and it's running very smoothly.
Would that happen with a Jeep ? Doubt it.
I wouldn’t discount the reliability of the 3.6. Also, plenty of jeeps for sale with 150-250K on the odometer. Are they more reliable than a Toyota? No, but it doesn’t mean they’re not reliable.
@@edgarbenjoseph3879 that’s what I’m saying… the keep gladiator has not been out for 10 years so how can you know the future without a track record?
@@double_joseph327 Do I even have to remind you how durable and reliable pretty much ALL Toyotas are ? Jeeps are known to have issues after 100k miles.
It's all good as long as you plan on getting rid of the Chrysler product before it blows up at 100k miles, and are ok with losing all of your money.
*Gladiator towing video is here! **th-cam.com/video/7YP8E3Swbzs/w-d-xo.html*
Awesome video! Thank you
Reliability is always a big concern with Jeep.
Gladiator much better looking than the Tacoma. But you are probably going to get to know your dealer a lot better with the Jeep. He has had a lot of Toyota products, so he probably doesn't know what it is like to live with a unreliable vehicle.
you dont buy it for that, you buy a jeep knowing everything is going to break, and everything is going to get replaced... down to the front seats.
@@mikestewart9088 sounds like you have experience
The new Tacoma is not like the old ones, 2016 and up have problems. If you wanted to buy a Tacoma I would purchase a 2015 and older . I work at a Toyota dealership, but drive a gladiator.
Jeeps will last longer then a Toyota! Come on Toyota buyers please be honest and tell us all the problems with your Toyota’s. Jeeps will be worth more money after 4 years and 30 years and a stock gladiator is ready for off road vs a Toyota. If you buy a Toyota you will need to spend more money then a stock gladiator to compete and keep up with a gladiator on the trail. My stock Rubicon will out preform your stock Tacoma! Please prove me wrong, I will give you my location and we can put up our titles.
Agreed Brand loyalty doesn't make sense.
You what you need to do is remake the video and explain why you choose the Gladiator looks over the Tacomas reliability. I've seeing videos of people having trouble with thier jeep Glads.
(Toyota reliability) Toyota trucks are junk!
@@markgosser9578 if you say soo😭😭😭😄😄😄
I run 35s on my gladiator with a 2 inch mopar lift
How hard is that to add? I just picked up a gladiator willys, and have read a few comments about owners doing this.
@@TheOtherCleveland You can find the mopar 2" arms for like $32 a piece... Shocks for like $650 a piece, and just get the springs and sway bar end links and save like $300-$500. I did a terraflex 1.5" level, 2" mopar arms, & .75" daystar rear spacer. It looks great, rides as stock, and cost me $250. You can run 37s with it if you install the 1" bump spacers, otherwise 35s and a fairly level ride.
I couldnt agree more
Laughing. Been on your ADV channel for so long didn’t know you reviewed vehicles….stumbled in this by pure coincidence doing new homework on Jeep. Spent three weeks getting removed from two deliveries on Tacoma TRD Off Road deliveries. Backlogs getting longer and now a $5k “dealer premium” just to order with no date for delivery and lack of color options. Did plenty of homework before but now starting over, courtesy of this nutty chip shortage. Had a friend with the Jeep Gladiator who loves it. Now starting homework anew….good review, as most all your content is. Thx.
Couldn’t agree more on the final point of brand loyalty.
I had this same problem trying to decide between the two also. Coming from only owning jeeps most my adult life it was natural I went with the Tacoma.haha I really dig the jeep tho off roading wasn't my #1 priority tho.
My 04 Jeep rubicon been a solid vehicle since I have owned it 181k and still going.
four point oh